Preview — Chazown
by Craig Groeschel

Chazown: "khaw-ZONE" - A Different Way to See Your Life

A Different Way to See Your Life. Vision and Purpose: Dream It, Live It, Attain It! Do you wake up each day motivated by knowing exactly why you were created? Guided by intention in every step? Enter: Chazown. Hebrew for "vision," God wants to give His for you, and this book will reveal it!

Community Reviews

I enjoy reading Craig Groeschel - almost as much as I enjoy robbing his free resources from LifeChurch.tv. This book is to help you discover your life’s purpose. As much as I have enjoyed Craig in the past, response to Chazown is bipolar. Part I loved, some I hated.

I Loved

That Craig included a section about setting a vision for our finances. I wish I had read it 30 years ago.

I Hated

The out-of-context title. The title Chazown (pronounced khaw-ZONE) is the Hebrew word translated “vision” in ProverI enjoy reading Craig Groeschel - almost as much as I enjoy robbing his free resources from LifeChurch.tv. This book is to help you discover your life’s purpose. As much as I have enjoyed Craig in the past, response to Chazown is bipolar. Part I loved, some I hated.

I Loved

That Craig included a section about setting a vision for our finances. I wish I had read it 30 years ago.

I Hated

The out-of-context title. The title Chazown (pronounced khaw-ZONE) is the Hebrew word translated “vision” in Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (KJV) Craig quotes Pv 29:18 in the KJV and goes on to say, “This is the most important statement from Scripture that I will quote in this book. It’s so important, if fact, that it is the source of the book’s title… where there is no Chazown – no dream, no revelation, no vision, no sense of our created purpose—we perish.” (p.8) Craig – get out of the old KJV.

The complete sentence in the New King James reads, “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” It’s similar in the NASB, NIV, NLT, etc. When the entire sentence is read, it’s obvious this passage is about divine revelation. Happy is he who keeps God’s law. Unrestrained are those who won’t follow God’s law. The French Bible says they are “without brakes,” the NLT says they “run wild.” There is nothing in this passage to suggest that we need to find our created purpose or we perish.

I Loved

The way Craig starts and ends with our epitaph. What will be on our gravestone? How will we be remembered? What will God say “well done” for? Craig is extremely motivational, and has a plethora of wonderful illustrations. As always, he is a great read.

I Hated

Chapters 12-13 on Un-Spiritual Gifts. I say that because this had nothing to do with spiritual gifts given to us by God after salvation for the building up of the body of Christ. Craig describes… talents. I have no problem if Craig doesn’t believe supernatural gifts are normal for today, (Gene Getz has written some great stuff on that topic) but if so, he needs to tell us. Calling talents spiritual gifts is not honest to me.

He tells us God gave Moses the spiritual gift of leadership, and Nehemiah the gift of administration, and John Grisham the gift of writing and Jerry Seinfield the gift of jokes and LeBron James the gift of dunks. So then, what’s a talent? And what makes dunking a basketball spiritual? The closest I could find to a definition of spiritual gifts was, “what you are exceptionally good at” (p. 43). I wonder, were the early believers in Acts 2 exceptionally good at instantaneously learning languages and Sampson great in the gym? There was a chance to help the believer realize the unique gifts God has given after salvation here. It was missed.

I Loved

This quote on page 24 “God loves you and every else has a wonderful plan for your life.” Craig follows up at helping to set boundaries, even to the point of severing relationships.

You can link to the book through clicking on it's picture, and read the first chapter. I received this book free from Multnomah Books for review. I was (obviously) not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Daniel Cooley danielcooley.com...more

Sometimes, I am overly critical and curmudgeony against mega-churches and their pastors but I like Craig Groeschel a lot. And I really like this book, Chazown, a lot, but I got problems with the title. So while this is generally a pretty positive review, the next paragraph is a little cranky. If you’re avoiding negativity in your life, you might want to skip it and pick up this review in paragraph three.

The title, Chazown comes from the Hebrew: חָזוֹן or ḥāzôn (Romanized according to SBL). As CrSometimes, I am overly critical and curmudgeony against mega-churches and their pastors but I like Craig Groeschel a lot. And I really like this book, Chazown, a lot, but I got problems with the title. So while this is generally a pretty positive review, the next paragraph is a little cranky. If you’re avoiding negativity in your life, you might want to skip it and pick up this review in paragraph three.

The title, Chazown comes from the Hebrew: חָזוֹן or ḥāzôn (Romanized according to SBL). As Craig says, it means vision and he’s right, but why he chose to spell it this way irks me. When you a quick google search of “Chazon,” “Hazon,” or Chazown, you discover that the first two spellings are in far greater usage. Most of the hits for “Chazown” seem to relate directly or indirectly to Craig’s book, a couple of online lexicons and a Youtube clip from a documentary on Cher’s son’s sexchange operation (Chaz- Own). Maybe this is a legitimate way of writing a holem vav(a pointed vav indicating an ‘o’ vowel) but it is not what I was taught, and it doesn’t seem to me to be that common. I kind of think it’s similar to me writing a book called Selah Vee from the French for “That’s life?” Why not spell it like everyone else? In the accompanying website chazown.com, Groeschel pronounces “Chazown” with a hard k (Kazone) instead of the soft guttural kh sound. Of course beyond faulty spelling and pronounciation, why name it “Chazown” anyway? The answer: marketing. Beyond a brief reference to the King James Version’s rendering of Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish (newer translations have the much more liberating, ‘cast off restraints’ instead of perishing),” there is little discussion in the book of the Hebrew concept of vision; instead Groeschel loads the term with his own understanding of what vision is. The use of the Hebrew here, is simply because if you saw another Christian/personal development/leadership book with “vision” in the title, you probably wouldn’t buy it. But you don’t know Hebrew so Chazown is exciting.

All right, rant over. This is very helpful book which is thoughtfully engaged in helping people achieve God’s ‘chazown’ for their life. Groeschel helps people cast a vision for becoming all that God made them and take steps to walk into it. He begins in part 1 to get people to envision of where they want their life to end up (writing your epitaph). In part 2, he presents three overlapping circles which point to God’s vision for your life: your core values, your spiritual gifts and your past experiences. In part 3 he talks about the convergence of these three areas and how they reveal where God may be calling you. In part 4, Groeschel presents the image of a wheel with five ‘spokes’ which hold things together and allow us to acheive our vision. It is his contention that if we are to stay on track with “God’s chazown” in our life we need to cultivate our: (1) relationship with God, (2)relationship with people, (3)integrity in our finances, (4)make healthy choices about diet and exercise, (5) and attend to meaningful work. While I have a theological objection to placing God as another spoke in the wheel of our dreams (God is the center, the axle and the wheel itself), I like how holistic Groeschel is in his approach. His image illustrates how these areas are not ‘seperate spheres’ but interrelated and necessary components which need our attention.

In part 5, Groschel talks about the need for accountability. In the end matter of the book, he gives helpful advice for picking up the pieces when we feel like we’ve failed God and ourselves.

I have read through the book and found it challenging at different points and think it has some useful tools for self discovery, attending to areas of spiritual/physical health, and discovering where God may be calling you. I have finished the book, but plan to reread sections and go back and complete several of the exercises. the book also includes questions for personal use or group discussion making it a thoughtful choice for a church small group. As someone who has worked in college ministry, I think that this would be particularly helpful in that context.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for this fair and honest review (albeit cranky in places)....more

When I first picked up Craig Groeschel's book Chazown I saw a 235 page paperback and thought, "Let me get comfortable for a nice read." About forty minutes later I was done and realized this is not a book, or a bible study, but a field manual for those seeking to live a God purposed life.

Craig's first challenge is to help us find the "sweet spot" in life. The place where our core values, spiritual gifts and past experiences intersect. This is accomplished by page 65. I pauBad Title = Great Help!

When I first picked up Craig Groeschel's book Chazown I saw a 235 page paperback and thought, "Let me get comfortable for a nice read." About forty minutes later I was done and realized this is not a book, or a bible study, but a field manual for those seeking to live a God purposed life.

Craig's first challenge is to help us find the "sweet spot" in life. The place where our core values, spiritual gifts and past experiences intersect. This is accomplished by page 65. I paused at this point wondering if we were done. Two thirds of the book remained to be read. Hmmm.

This is actually where I began to enjoy each short chapter. They are designed to encourage personal reflection and interaction. Many believers I've known over the years can tell you where the sweet spot of their life is, but few have been mentored on how to actually get there and stay in that spot. The fact Craig spends a majority of his time here is refreshing.

The author provides great examples from his own history. He also coaches on five areas of life in which we need to be victorious in order to fully live out our purpose. They are God, Work, People, Health and Finances.

The book closes encouraging community accountability on the journey to our "Chazown" (pronounced khaw-zone) and contains an appendix with a six page, four week study guide for small groups.

This is a perfect resource for new believer small groups and Christians who have been drifting aimlessly through life. I'm not sure The name (Chazown) `sells' it well, but the book is very well done. We all need a direction, purpose and a plan for our lives to be fulfilling. This book can help us get serious about living the John 10:10 abundant life Jesus promised we could have in Him. Just be ready to dive in.

This book was provided free of charge from it's publisher in exchange for this review....more

Chazown: (pronounced khaw-zone) from the Hebrew, meaning a dream, revelation or vision.”

Craig Groeschel’s Chazown is based on the verse found in Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The subtitle sums up the entire book: Define Your Vision, Pursue Your Passion, Live Your Life on Purpose. Who among us does not want to know whether or not we are living God’s vision for our lives?

In a Biblically-based, reader-friendly format, Mr. Groeschel walks the readers through the necChazown: (pronounced khaw-zone) from the Hebrew, meaning a dream, revelation or vision.”

Craig Groeschel’s Chazown is based on the verse found in Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The subtitle sums up the entire book: Define Your Vision, Pursue Your Passion, Live Your Life on Purpose. Who among us does not want to know whether or not we are living God’s vision for our lives?

In a Biblically-based, reader-friendly format, Mr. Groeschel walks the readers through the necessary steps to discover God’s vision for their life and how to implement that vision.

The book is divided into five sections and within those sections, each chapter contains the wisdom and direction the reader needs to walk the journey of discovering their vision. The readers will find Key Thoughts that will motivate them to think how the truths in the preceding paragraphs might apply to them. At the end of each of the five sections are exercises designed to challenge the readers to pray and think about the questions posed by Mr. Groeschel. The readers are encouraged to participate even further by writing down what God shares with them during the exercise.

There is also a personal and/or group study guide, as well as helpful appendixes to assist the readers in developing a personal time line and clarifying their core values and spiritual gifts.

This book is revolutionary. If you don’t know the vision God has for your life, Chazown will help you to discover that vision. If you’ve ever wondered if you are following God’s vision for your life, this book will confirm that for you. And if you are positive you are following God’s vision, this book will reinforce your vision even more.

Chazown is a book that that will become a permanent part of your library because you will want to read it…and read again every year or so. It is that good.

This book was provided free of charge from Waterbrook Multnomah Press....more

Good if you are a young Christian (or one who has yet to focus their faith) needing a better understanding of how to weave your faith through all areas of you life. It's very much an entry level Christ-centering, vision-casting book. Nothing is wrong with that and it's much needed for many people...

But for those who are hoping to enhance your already existing life-vision, don't bother.

I'm a fairly big Craig Groeschel fan, but this book just didn't do it for me. The basic idea of finding direction and doing things purposefully is great. However, I found the circles and spokes to be a lot more common sense than Biblical. Maybe I'm just too jaded by all the self-help gurus, but there didn't seem to be a lot of meat here.

If I had the patience, I’d look up the page number for you. But somewhere in Chazown, Groeschel says something like “You’ve got just one shot at life, so live it for the second embrace.” (Referring, of course, to Jesus’ hug at the pearly gates.)

This book is a manual on how to live that kind of life–a life outlined, motivated and charged by a vision. But not just any vision; not what you aspire for yourself, not what your family dreams for you. The vision is God’s–what God foresees for you, whatIf I had the patience, I’d look up the page number for you. But somewhere in Chazown, Groeschel says something like “You’ve got just one shot at life, so live it for the second embrace.” (Referring, of course, to Jesus’ hug at the pearly gates.)

This book is a manual on how to live that kind of life–a life outlined, motivated and charged by a vision. But not just any vision; not what you aspire for yourself, not what your family dreams for you. The vision is God’s–what God foresees for you, what God wants to reveal to you. Everything about the book is practical and applicable. It’s a straight forward how-to, akin to the Dummies Series. You know what I mean–not in the sense that it insults your intelligence but in the fact that it is simple enough for anybody. You don’t have to be a seasoned theologian or an experienced Christian to grasp the fundamentals of this book. All you need is to be desirous of living your life to the fullest.

The language is simple and conversational, interspersed with sporadic levity. (I could have done without the jokes, but I can see how it could aid in keeping a reader’s attention. So I’ll lay off his not-so-funnies). The chapters are short and focused, with relevant pull quotes. I’m not sure if Groeschel or his editor gets credit for the quotes, but it is rare to see pull quotes used as effectively as they are in Chazone. They are so good that you can skim through the book, read just the quotes and get your money’s worth.

Somewhere else in the book Groeschel explains how living God’s will for you is simple but not easy. It’s like running a marathon, he says. The mechanics are simple–put one foot in front of the other, repeat until you get to the finish line. The process, on the other hand, is not easy. You need the stamina, the motivation, the drive, the perseverance, the support, etc, to keep you going till the finish line.

Everything from page layout to font to diagrams to cover art to white space to language to content–and pull quotes, of course–is cohesively practical and simple. And in some strange way, all these elements come together to make you, the reader, feel that this thing about living to fulfill God’s vision, God’s chazown, is doable and not as far-fetched as it seemed before you picked up this book.

Good work, Team Multnomah and Groeschel. This one is a keeper for me....more

Have you ever paused on the journey through life and wondered if you’re doing what you’re meant to be doing, living the life you’re supposed to live? I most certainly have. I’ve often looked back at the meandering path my life’s taken, wondered at the unexpected joys I’ve experienced around one turn, speculated on what might have been if I’d traveled a different route.

Looking back is one thing. Look ahead, especially as the years pile up, and you may begin to question your choices and direction.Have you ever paused on the journey through life and wondered if you’re doing what you’re meant to be doing, living the life you’re supposed to live? I most certainly have. I’ve often looked back at the meandering path my life’s taken, wondered at the unexpected joys I’ve experienced around one turn, speculated on what might have been if I’d traveled a different route.

Looking back is one thing. Look ahead, especially as the years pile up, and you may begin to question your choices and direction.

* Have I left my mark in the world? * What should I or could I have done differently? * If I had made different choices at certain points in my life, would I have missed some of the really wonderful things that have happened?

If you are dissatisfied, it’s not too late to accomplish some of your goals or achieve a few of your youthful dreams. You just have to take action NOW, before it is too late.

A few weeks ago, I read a book called Chazown by Craig Groeschel. The title is pronounced khaw-ZONE; it’s the Hebrew word for vision. Groeschel is a Christian minister, Waterbrook Multnomah is a Christian book division of Random House, and the book’s focus is on finding God’s purpose for your life.

I’m not a very religious person; I have beliefs, but I don’t go to church, and I’m not much for God talk. However, the kind folks at Waterbrook Multnomah invited me to join their “Blogging for Books” program, and who am I to turn down the opportunity for a free book to read? That said, if you’re a deeply spiritual person, you will find this book to be a detailed guide on figuring out what you should do next in your life. If you’re not deeply spiritual, or if you are a deeply spiritual follower of a non-Christian religion, if you are able to get past the God talk, you will find good advice on finding purpose to drive you through the rest of your life.

The cover of Chazown, in addition to the title and author, features three short sentences:

The book begins by asking you to write your obituary. If you died today, what would people say about you? What have you accomplished? Have you changed the world around you? Have you been a positive influence on the lives of your friends, family or total strangers?

See, that’s one of the things I’ve been thinking about the past few years. As I mentioned, I’m 45, and the day when my obituary will be published is rushing towards me. Yikes! If I want it to be a good one, I’d better get cracking.

But where to begin?

Craig Groeschel says you should start at the end. Write the obituary you want. Do you want your loved ones to remember you for the time you spent working late at the office, the hours you spent posting photos on Facebook, the mundane cell phone conversations (“What are you doing?”). Or do you want to be the person who taught children self respect and responsibility by coaching a ball team or volunteering at your local school? Do you want to be remembered for raising money for your favorite charity? Collecting coats for the homeless? Giving your time and talents to renovate a community center?

See, you can’t just say, “I want to be remembered for helping people.” That’s too vague. You need a specific goal, and then you know what you have to do to achieve that goal.

In his book, Groeschel helps you create a specific plan so that instead of living life each day as it comes, you live it with a purpose. Each short, easy-to-read chapter helps you narrow down the choices and focus your vision.

* First, you’ll define your core values (examples: loyalty to family, passion for justice), identify your spiritual gifts (giving, teaching, service), and realize how your past experiences (a menial job, an oops moment) have prepared you for the road ahead. * The next step is to identify where those three areas overlap, identify your Chazown, and set down a focused description in a few words. * Next, the book helps you analyze five key areas in your life now: your relationship with God, relationships with people, financial situation, your health, and your work; and helps you relate them to the accomplishment of your Chazown.

Along the way, Groeschel shares stories from his own life, examples from his parishioners and friends, that show you how these esoteric ideas apply in real life. Key thoughts are set apart from the rest of the text so they’re easy to identify. Each section is summarized with review questions, kind of like in a textbook, to help you think through and retain what you’ve just read. The book also contains an appendix of worksheets, and throughout the book, you’re referred to extra support materials on The Chazown Experience website.

This book will help you look at your life with a critical eye and guide you towards living with meaning and purpose. Maybe you’re just starting out in life, or you’re coming through a bad period and need to make positive changes, or perhaps you’re frustrated and unsatisfied with your accomplishments. If you read this book with thoughtfulness and intent, you will learn about yourself and find ways to lead a more fulfilling life.

I received a review copy of Chazown through Waterbrook Multnomah’s “Blogging for Books” program. The opinions expressed in this review are my own....more

ChazownBy Craig GroeschelChazown is an inspiring book written to help you live your life purpose. It does this by helping the reader to define their vision and passions.I do not usually read books in the religious aspect because I follow a very non denominational life style that follows God and not a church.I was relieved to find this book not dwelling on religion but on faith and bible basics.The author uses humor to get his points across to the reader and there were several incidents that notChazownBy Craig GroeschelChazown is an inspiring book written to help you live your life purpose. It does this by helping the reader to define their vision and passions.I do not usually read books in the religious aspect because I follow a very non denominational life style that follows God and not a church.I was relieved to find this book not dwelling on religion but on faith and bible basics.The author uses humor to get his points across to the reader and there were several incidents that not only did I laugh out loud but would chuckle about the imagery when thinking about the book later on in the day.This is a book that delivers what it promises and that is a well laid out plan to help you calculate your purpose in life. Using information from questions the reader answers about past experience, core values and spiritual gifts you are able to see how they all overlap which brings you to the center of your life purpose.This is a well written book and gives detail help guides to make sure you are successful in achieving your goals to find and act upon your life purpose.I was impressed to say the least when reading this book and recommend it for reading to those searching for a purpose. Craig Groeschel intends for each reader to find their life purpose and does not set anyone up for failure. I really liked the fact that there is a study guide in the back of the book for personal and group use. This book does not promise instantaneous results but gives the reader a bridge to cross over to new discoveries by laying out a well formatted path for a four week guide for the reader to follow.As part of the FTC disclaimer rules I am making you aware thatI received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the book.

Craig Groeschel in his new book, "Chazown" published by Multnomah Books looks at the Hebrew word for vision.

Looking at the word, Chazown don't you just expect when you say it that a sound like thunder and a lighting bolt to come zipping from the sky striking a young newsboy in a red pullover and then watching him become a grown man in a red outfit with a lightning bolt on his chest? Well that only works in the comics however this is a powerful word. Chazown, pronounced Khaw-zone, is the Hebrew wCraig Groeschel in his new book, "Chazown" published by Multnomah Books looks at the Hebrew word for vision.

Looking at the word, Chazown don't you just expect when you say it that a sound like thunder and a lighting bolt to come zipping from the sky striking a young newsboy in a red pullover and then watching him become a grown man in a red outfit with a lightning bolt on his chest? Well that only works in the comics however this is a powerful word. Chazown, pronounced Khaw-zone, is the Hebrew word meaning a dream, revelation or vision.

Pastor Groeschel works through how we should be achieving our Chazown in parts. One part is where to look: Your core values: What do you get passionate about? What gets you righteously angry when it is violated? Your spiritual gifts: What are the things you do noticeably well, and love to do? Your experiences: These experiences, both good and bad that make you who you are today. Once we got that part down Pastor Groeschel moves us to how to name your Chazown and where to start and then finally gets us to The Five Spokes of Chazown.

If you are like me you might feel that you are just marking time and not really doing anything but still feel that there is really something you are called to do and just can't get a handle on it. "Chazown" is the book that Pastor Groeschel wrote for us. God made us with purpose and we each have our own Chazown. This book will help us find it step by step. I highly recommend this book.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Multnomah Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”...more

Craig Groeschel's Chazown is a five star book with some sloppy three star content. It's a Christian book made for non-Christians and made for those who do not like books.

With some unique fonts, pictures, colors, and activities (yes, activities), Groeschel offers a practical handbook on God's vision for your life. On a theological level it largely fails, but on the practical level it is a reasonable success. If you remove all the references to the Bible, you'd still have about 80% left for a praCraig Groeschel's Chazown is a five star book with some sloppy three star content. It's a Christian book made for non-Christians and made for those who do not like books.

With some unique fonts, pictures, colors, and activities (yes, activities), Groeschel offers a practical handbook on God's vision for your life. On a theological level it largely fails, but on the practical level it is a reasonable success. If you remove all the references to the Bible, you'd still have about 80% left for a pragmatic handbook on success. Depending on who you are, that's good or bad.

Pastor Craig is one of the best preachers on practical wisdom. I agree with mostly everything he says but disagree with the way he handles Scripture: he uses it as a jump-off to make his own points. Even his idea of Jesus appears to make him a holy man in a category of great men. Sometimes a Bible verse is used to talk about health or finances when the context is not even close; he'll sometimes replace words to enforce the message. Messing with my Bible.

Groeschel also makes two common mistakes that all Christian authors make: despite trying not to sound like it, he assumes the reader is a middle-aged well-to-do churchgoer with a chipper attitude ready to go. Almost all Christian literature has that same plastic-wrapped, idealistic, upbeat voice that is condescending to real people with real problems. He also spouts off tons of cliches, that while packaged sometimes uniquely, are still cliches.

Yet Pastor Craig does offer experienced wisdom here that can actually be implemented for real change. I always say that effort does not equal legalism, and Groeschel imparts wise methodology for wise living. He is a capable writer with moments of brilliance and pathos, complete with my kind of humor (corny). And nearly all of his purposeful strategies are beneficial; some even mandatory.

Bottom line: I read this with some strong discernment but found it enjoyable and at times immensely helpful. It might not deepen your spiritual life but will help you plan your life with purpose. ...more

For anyone who has ever questioned why they are here and what their purpose is, this book will definitely help you begin the process of self-reflection and examination to point you in the right direction.

Chazown, pronounced (khaw-Zone) is a Hebrew word meaning dream, revelation or vision. Chazown by Craig Groeschel is a self-development book with a Christian perspective. Based on the premise that God has made each of us with a unique purpose in mind. In order to fulfill our God-given purpose weFor anyone who has ever questioned why they are here and what their purpose is, this book will definitely help you begin the process of self-reflection and examination to point you in the right direction.

Chazown, pronounced (khaw-Zone) is a Hebrew word meaning dream, revelation or vision. Chazown by Craig Groeschel is a self-development book with a Christian perspective. Based on the premise that God has made each of us with a unique purpose in mind. In order to fulfill our God-given purpose we must first discover it. Once found and pursued it will bring 4 gifts into our lives: focus, endurance, peace and passion. But how do you find it?

Pastor Groeschel aims to walk you step by step through the process of discovering your Chazown with this book. Through examination of 3 key areas in your life, your core values, your spiritual gifts and your past experiences you will begin to find your Chazown. It generally lives at the intersection of these three areas. Next, you will examine 5 fundamental areas of your life, your relationship with God, your relationship with others, your financial life, your physical life and your work life to determine how balanced they are. He then walks you through the process of naming your vision and putting it into action.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group's Blogging for Books program for the purpose of providing my honest review....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Wow! This book will revolutionize the way you think about your goals and vision; your chazown. From the beginning, Mr. Groeschel challenges the reader to maximize his/her life and embrace the passion placed in him/her by God. Starting with how to recognize your chazown, Mr. Groeschel takes the reader down the path of how your vision plays into your daily life. Your health, finances, relationships, career, and religious faith are all addressed.

What is very unique about this book is the way each tWow! This book will revolutionize the way you think about your goals and vision; your chazown. From the beginning, Mr. Groeschel challenges the reader to maximize his/her life and embrace the passion placed in him/her by God. Starting with how to recognize your chazown, Mr. Groeschel takes the reader down the path of how your vision plays into your daily life. Your health, finances, relationships, career, and religious faith are all addressed.

What is very unique about this book is the way each topic is divided. Instead of a chapter on each subject, each topic is broken in sub-chapters lasting no more that four pages for most sections. The reason is so the reader will read each sub-chapter and think about what was written. That is the key to this book.

This book is not meant be read but rather digested over a period of time. As each spoke (think bicycle tire) is discussed, it is discussed in short segments with each segment building on the previous one until the chapter is completed. This causes a reflection that is much needed for a person's chazown to manifest itself.

Also helpful are the "take action" suggestions throughout the book. Each action item is intended to use what has been taught and to personalize it to each reader. This is what makes this book unique from other books of this nature. It does not give advice and then leaves the reader to chance. No, it gives ideas on how to find, build, experience, and grow your chazown until your chazown surpasses your life. Thus, this book is an absolute must read for those wanting to find their God-given passion and purpose.

(FYI - at the time of this review, the website mentioned throughout the book is being modified and thus may not be functioning correctly. This should be changing soon. see www.chazown.com)...more

Throughout Chazown author Craig Groeschel makes one simple thing clear. We are all going somewhere but few are going there on purpose. Our relationships, finances, work, health and more are all moving towards a positive or negative direction; but few people are directing that path to match their purpose. Groeschel introduces his reader to the Hebrew word Chazown, which means dream, revelation or vision. Groeschel argues that everyone has a Chazown which is the God designed purpose for one’s lifeThroughout Chazown author Craig Groeschel makes one simple thing clear. We are all going somewhere but few are going there on purpose. Our relationships, finances, work, health and more are all moving towards a positive or negative direction; but few people are directing that path to match their purpose. Groeschel introduces his reader to the Hebrew word Chazown, which means dream, revelation or vision. Groeschel argues that everyone has a Chazown which is the God designed purpose for one’s life. He then helps his readers find their Chazown by reviewing their core values, spiritual gifts and past experiences. Groeschel then aids his readers to define their Chazown into a purpose statement. And finally he reviews five key areas of live the need attention in order to reach one’s Chazown; one’s relationship with God, others, finances, health and work. Finally, he empowers his readers to take all that they have learned to take the steps needed to realize their Chazown.

First thought….ShamWow. Second thought….great another book about purpose that’s what we were all looking for! Well, I was wrong. Groeschel doesn’t just tell us and challenge us to live on purpose. No, instead he provides the resources needed to develop and clarify one’s purpose. He asked his readers to keep a Chazown journal to draw out the answers to the key questions he has. I found that I could use the blank space in my book to write responses and look back at them as I went through the book. But Groeschel doesn’t just leave his readers isolated in a book with tasks to perform that are time consuming and perhaps complicated but instead supports the book with www.chazown.com which provides online tools that support the exercises used throughout the book. Groeschel is a great author who speaks truth, painful truth that makes me wish I could just close the book at time. Overall, I think this is an excellent book not just another purpose book that is meaningful as a standalone read or a small group tool.

Craig Groeschel opens *Chazown* with an interesting anecdote where he asks the reader to imagine himself lying on his deathbed. He tells the reader that we are all dying and to expect one day to look back at our lives. Then he poses the question which sets the tone for the rest of the book. "Why was important that I existed?"

Craig Groeschel opens *Chazown* with an interesting anecdote where he asks the reader to imagine himself lying on his deathbed. He tells the reader that we are all dying and to expect one day to look back at our lives. Then he poses the question which sets the tone for the rest of the book. "Why was important that I existed?"

Groeschel wants everyone to understand that the Lord of creation does so with a purpose: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;" (Jer 1:5). Now maybe that bit was just for the prophet Jeremiah, but then again it could have been for each one that was formed in the womb.

This purpose, this vision, this dream for your life Groeschel describes as your Chazown from the Hebrew meaning just that: vision, purpose, dream. And he sets out to help every individual find it. The book begins first by way of discovery looking at the three key points in everyone life, their Core Values, Spiritual Gifts, and Past Experiences. From this he says there is an overlap that likely with house one's Chazown. He goes on to give instruction in different areas of life that he feels will lead to or away from this intended vision for our lives.

The book throughout makes good uses of the space on the page with little notes and highlights, graphs and clever placement of text and white space. The chapters are divided into small bits which can be taken at a nibble or section by section. The writing itself suffers, like most contemporary works of this nature, by being overly conversational and cutesy but it is not so off putting that one is tempted to slam the covers shut. The rest of the kitschy layout helps to make up for these aesthetic slights.

Overall I would give this book high marks for its aspiration to call Christians to live out their faith in God and moreover to live intentional seeking the will of God in all things.

Per Sanguinem Agni,RS

*This book was provided to me free of charge for review. Multnomah has asked for nothing of me other than my honest opinion....more

Craig Groeschel teaches readers in his book called, “Chazown” how to find their vision for their life. For many readers they might be wondering what a Chazown is. Chazown (pronounced khaw-zone) defined in the Hebrew language is a dream or a vision. Craig leads us in defining God’s vision for your life. You have the power to choose what you do with your own life. He helps identify your vision and how to find out what God is telling you to do with your life. He provided examples from his own lifeCraig Groeschel teaches readers in his book called, “Chazown” how to find their vision for their life. For many readers they might be wondering what a Chazown is. Chazown (pronounced khaw-zone) defined in the Hebrew language is a dream or a vision. Craig leads us in defining God’s vision for your life. You have the power to choose what you do with your own life. He helps identify your vision and how to find out what God is telling you to do with your life. He provided examples from his own life about how he began his call to ministry. Craig will show you how to find your core values and what you stand for in your own life. He also teaches you how to find out your spiritual gifts that can be used to further Christ’s kingdom. He will lead readers to uncover and relook at what has happened in your past and how that works in determining your vision for your life. He will help you tie together your spiritual gifts, your past, and your core values to find your Chazown.

In Chazown, Craig will explore with you and encourage you to continue or gain a relationship with Christ. He will show readers how health has a big part to play in your vision. He will give you advice on your finances. He wants you to have good relationships with the people in your life.

He instructs you to write down and keep a journal after each section of the book. He provides exercises to help you find your vision, your core values, your past experiences, and your spiritual gifts. He encourages readers to make goals and stick with them.

I liked the book because it helped me to discover how to redefine my vision and continue on to what God has called me to do. I kept a journal and tried to answer all the questions that Craig listed after each section of the book. Sometimes the questions will make you stop and think and that is fine. You just need to have a vision for your life.

Craig strongly persuades you to read and listen to this verse from the Bible. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18 KJV

I would recommend the book to every teenager, college student, and adult. I would recommend this book especially if you don’t have a vision for what God wants you to do with your life. It is so important to know which direction of your life you would like to go. Even if you have a vision this book will help you to stay determined and keep following your vision. It will help anyone to tap into God’s will for your life.

The book also has a neat interactive website to help you in your process to finding your vision. This website has great resources for you to use.

Everyone longs for purpose in life. The Bible promises us that we were created for a purpose...a purpose that God has ordained for us, however how many of us WISH we knew exactly what that purpose was? What is it that we are created for? During this time of "in between" birth and death, what exactly are we supposed to be doing?

In his book Chazown, Craig Groeschel approaches these questions from a informative, Biblical view. In the first part of this book, Craig Groeschel discusses what ChazownEveryone longs for purpose in life. The Bible promises us that we were created for a purpose...a purpose that God has ordained for us, however how many of us WISH we knew exactly what that purpose was? What is it that we are created for? During this time of "in between" birth and death, what exactly are we supposed to be doing?

In his book Chazown, Craig Groeschel approaches these questions from a informative, Biblical view. In the first part of this book, Craig Groeschel discusses what Chazown is and how to find out what yours looks like. In the second part of the book, Groeschel guides the reader through the application of their Chazown to various areas of their lives.

I found this book incredibly challenging. It helped to shine the spotlight on areas in my life that God has uniquely endowed me with that would better help me identify my callings. This book is not a book that you can just speed through. Instead it is a book that you should work through with a pen and paper in hand as well as a soft heart ready to do some introspection. I especially liked how the chapters in the end were extremely applicable to everyday life. I was especially challenged by these chapters and have already applied them to my life.

I gave this book four stars and would recommend it to anyone; especially someone looking for the next step in life. While there is no substitute for the Word of God, this book is a great tool to be utilized in conjunction with the Bible.

I was provided with a copy of Chazown by Waterbrook Multnomah for review purposes. All opinions and views expressed are my own....more

I really like this book for a number of reason. The first reason is that it really makes you think. And the best part about the thinking is that it makes you think about a general concept that we all sort of talk about (God has a plan for your life) in a more concrete way (what is God’s plan for your life?). I think sometimes we often assume we can’t know God’s plan or purpose for our life so we don’t think critically about the spiritual gifts or the core values that God has given us. This bookI really like this book for a number of reason. The first reason is that it really makes you think. And the best part about the thinking is that it makes you think about a general concept that we all sort of talk about (God has a plan for your life) in a more concrete way (what is God’s plan for your life?). I think sometimes we often assume we can’t know God’s plan or purpose for our life so we don’t think critically about the spiritual gifts or the core values that God has given us. This book will encourage you and help you to think about how those things work together. The second thing is that it’s concrete. In the sections it asks you specific questions that apply to the concept being talked about. For example, it asks you to identify your spiritual gifts when it talks about them. In this way it’s a good book because I think it’s easy to read books that might fall under the sort of “self help” category but then you’re like, okay, that’s fine and dandy, but how do I do that? What does that look like practically? How do I start? Groeschel can cut a lot of that out because he’s provided specific pointed questions for you to think about. I also think it’s a really great book for small Bible studies. We’ve been studying this book in my Bible study (as I mentioned earlier) and it’s been working really well for that. The questions in the back definitely get us having long thought out discussions. Lastly, I can honestly say since I read this book, I really have been giving more thought to how can I be purposeful about serving and my life. This has been especially helpful since becoming a mom and has helped me to try and maintain some perspective. ...more

This book had access to pretty nice web site which had tools you were able to use while reading the book.

1. Decide that an accidental life is not for you, and start seeking God's direction, His Chazown that is custom-designed for you (202). 2. Define your gifts, core values, and your past experiences. Prayerfully examine how these overlap and point toward God's vision for your life (202).3. Write a vision statement, and establish specific, measurable, and written goals to fulfill the vision (202This book had access to pretty nice web site which had tools you were able to use while reading the book.

1. Decide that an accidental life is not for you, and start seeking God's direction, His Chazown that is custom-designed for you (202). 2. Define your gifts, core values, and your past experiences. Prayerfully examine how these overlap and point toward God's vision for your life (202).3. Write a vision statement, and establish specific, measurable, and written goals to fulfill the vision (202). 4. Decide to live fully committed to God, strengthening the five priority areas (your relationship with God, your relationships with people, your financial health, your physical health, and your life's work) (110, 202). 5. Start praying, and arranging so that “you get to spend forty or fifty hours (or more, my addition) a week fulfilling God's chazown in your work” (192). 6. Understand that, “You'll never do all that god wants you to do without His people holding you accountable” (211). Get for yourself an accountability partner/partners. ...more

This book is all about every part of your life is going to end up somewhere. Where you are in your relationships, with your career, with your studies, health, spiritually etc. If you want to succeed, you need to have a plan on how you are going to sow into each of these part of your lives. How are you going to have a better relationship with your spouse or friends? How are you going to have good health? How are you going to grow with your relationship with God? How are you going to grow financiaThis book is all about every part of your life is going to end up somewhere. Where you are in your relationships, with your career, with your studies, health, spiritually etc. If you want to succeed, you need to have a plan on how you are going to sow into each of these part of your lives. How are you going to have a better relationship with your spouse or friends? How are you going to have good health? How are you going to grow with your relationship with God? How are you going to grow financially? Are you going to be in debt, divorced, spiritually dead, and miserable like the rest of the population? I love this book! I really recommend it for EVERYONE. I was recommended by this book by the speaker Peyton Holland and I am so glad he did. ...more

This book will help you become accountable to yourself and others. Full of To Do's to keep you motivated and for you to follow through your tasks.Comes with a website for personal reflection and tracking of progress.

It's a good, lively discussion of the process of discovering and living out a personal vision for a disciple's life of following Jesus Christ. I read it and looked at personal applications. I did not find it deeply introspective the first time I read it, but the opportunity is covered to explore the life with Christ more deeply.

It may be best used in a small group with discussion and sharing of insights. Others can often see attributes that we cannot identify on our own. The book is a door-openIt's a good, lively discussion of the process of discovering and living out a personal vision for a disciple's life of following Jesus Christ. I read it and looked at personal applications. I did not find it deeply introspective the first time I read it, but the opportunity is covered to explore the life with Christ more deeply.

It may be best used in a small group with discussion and sharing of insights. Others can often see attributes that we cannot identify on our own. The book is a door-opener to achieving a spiritually rich life with a vision of the future that will be deeply rewarding. A quick read-though does not unleash its potential. It is a book that needs to be read slowly and considered....more

I was looking forward to receiving this book, but was a little disappointed once I read it. There is nothing earth shattering here, it is full of basic self help advice. That said, it is a fine book for people, mainly Christians, who are in a place of needing to discover who they are, what God wants from them, what their 'purpose' is. It is not a bad book by any means, it just isn't comprised of revolutionary information either.

This book is based on the idea stated in Provers 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Chazown means vision in Hebrew. Groeschel presents steps to define and refine how you see your God given purpose in life and the steps to lead you there. It is well written and compelling.

I really need to finish this book. It was given to me as a gift and I have not had the chance to read much of it. This is a creative book into realizing your vision in life. Chazown (pronounced khaw-ZONE) from the Hebrew, meaning a dream, revelation, or vision. The name alone is worth looking into

I REALLY like this so far. I went in to Barnes and Nobles telling myself I would not buy anything, but I picked it up and I was hooked pretty quickly. It is all about figuring out your God given vision for your life. It is awesome. It has lots of reflective exercises to get you thinking.

Craig Groeschel (born December 2, 1967) is the founder and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, a church with thirteen locations in six states. He is married with six children and lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City, where LifeChurch.tv is based.

Groeschel was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in southern Oklahoma, attending Ardmore High School. He attended Oklahoma City University, aCraig Groeschel (born December 2, 1967) is the founder and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, a church with thirteen locations in six states. He is married with six children and lives in Edmond, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City, where LifeChurch.tv is based.

Groeschel was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in southern Oklahoma, attending Ardmore High School. He attended Oklahoma City University, a private university in Oklahoma City affiliated with the United Methodist Church, on an athletic scholarship, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. Shortly thereafter, he met his wife Amy, and the two married in 1991. That same year, Groeschel entered the ministry as an associate pastor in the United Methodist Church. He attended Phillips Theological Seminary, which is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and secured a Master of Divinity degree. He was an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.

In 1996, Groeschel and a handful of people started Life Covenant Church in a two-car garage. Groeschel’s non-traditional style was successful and attendance of Life Covenant grew rapidly, eventually evolving into what is now the thirteen LifeChurch.tv campuses in six states (including Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Tennessee, and New York).

Craig was named the 5th most influential pastor in 2006 and LifeChurch.tv was named America’s Most Innovative Church in 2006 and 2007.[...more